A UNIQUE flood defence scheme designed to defend a community against the constant threat of serious water damage was officially opened yesterday (Wednesday).

The sun burned through thick mist just as the commemorative stone was about to be unveiled at North Tawton Rugby Club.

West Devon mayor Cllr Richard Phillips drew a spontaneous round of applause when he invited Cllr Nick Morgan to join him.

?His perseverence and dedication to the people he represents is the reason we are here today. Without Nick this scheme would not have got off the ground.?

Cllr Phillips praised West Devon Borough Council for spearheading the £1-million-plus scheme ? which swung into operation just before Christmas.

Within days, heavy rain swept across the area ? but this time there was no flooding.

?For a small authority to see this project reach completion is a tremendous achievement and it is doubly rewarding to know that the scheme has given comfort and relief to the residents of North Tawton,? said Cllr Phillips.

He said while the borough had no statutory duty to put such a scheme together, the misery of people suffering constant flooding spurred them into action.

?We have given this scheme our full commitment and it has been enormously difficult at times and has stretched our resources to the limit ? but we have delivered.?

Cllr Phillips said not only did North Tawton now have an operating flood relief scheme but the town had been rejuvenated.

?Gone are many of the reminders and debris from past flooding events which have been removed or repaired during the works,? he said.

To show the community?s gratitude, chairman of North Tawton Town Council Gill Hoggins presented a framed ?certificate of thanks? to the mayor, recording the appreciation of the people for the scheme provided by the borough council.

Cllr Morgan, who represents North Tawton on the borough council, began campaigning to get flood relief for the town nine years ago.

He said the catalyst was flooding two years ago.

?I got West Devon Borough Council to agree that something should be done. Since then everything has happened very quickly. The officers at West Devon have done marvellously.?

Devon Fire and Rescue Service Divisional Commander Mike Nevitt said he ?could not wish for anything better?.

Retained firefighters at the town?s fire station had, in the past, ?been committed to very difficult and quite dangerous situations.?